Cancer Remission Drives His Inspiration

Michael Dosedel

Michael Dosedel woke up on the day after Christmas in 1996 and told his parents, Stefan and Ginger, that his “ankle” hurt. His pediatrician recognized a problem and referred Michael to a hematologist/oncologist, who diagnosed him with stage IV rhabdomyosarcoma.

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare muscle cancer that is more common in children than adults. The growth of these cancer cells begin during embryonic development and usually form in the skeletal muscles, though these cells can also affect other areas of the body.

Michael is now 14-years-old and has been in remission since 1997. He undergoes physical therapy to lessen orthopedic problems that have developed because of past radiation treatments.

Ginger says that Michael’s doctors—Emmett Broxson, MD, and Jeffrey Mikutis, MD—believe that Michael should be free of rhabdomyosarcoma, but they need to watch for other tumors that may develop.

The Dosedels moved to Beavercreek three years ago because Stefan, who is on active duty in the US Air Force, was reassigned. The Dosedels heard positive reviews of the hematology/oncology department at The Children’s Medical Center of Dayton and are delighted with the care they have received.

“Each department has welcomed us with open arms and has been absolutely wonderful to our entire family,” says Ginger.

Though Michael is still battling his own health issues, he is very focused on helping others. As a way of giving back to Dayton Children’s, Michael has helped with the University of Dayton Dance Marathon and also prompted his school to join the K99.9 FM Change Bandit Drive, which raised over $2,000 for the hospital.

Michael also spends time with a young chemotherapy patient.

“Being with the patients is his favorite thing,” says Ginger.

Michael started the national non-profit organization Sew Much Comfort, which makes adaptive clothing for recovering service members. He came up with the idea when he was receiving physical therapy treatments at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington DC.

Michael will start his freshman year at Carroll High School in Dayton next fall and plans to stay active by swimming, playing the guitar and hopefully joining the debate team. After high school, he looks forward to becoming a diagnostician or orthopedic surgeon.

“My inspiration is my orthopedic surgeon and all the amazing doctors I’ve met during my own journey,” he says.

He is excited about his role as an ambassador.

“I hope that having survived my cancer and really going for the things I want to achieve in life gives others the hope they need to do the same thing,” he says.

The Comprehensive Care Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Dayton Children’s provides state-of-the-art services in oncology and hematology. For more information on our services, and learn about our pediatric cancer treatment visit our Children's Care Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders.